I think it would be worth it to point out to anyone who might criticize it that they could have gotten downtown anytime either actually paying for fares, or driving (Because just because they likely had been drinking, doesn't mean they won't drive, of course). It certainly has more to do with St. Patrick's day than free transit rides.

Plexiglass "driver shields" are a thing on numerous other transit systems. In addition to protecting a driver from heinous things like assault or getting spit on, I believe it would also decrease accidents (fewer customer distractions while driving) and very slightly improve on-time performance (fewer folks would ask questions or carry on lengthy conversations with the drivers)